Miami Dolphins enter full rebuild with Malik Willis at quarterback and Jeff Hafley as head coach
The Dolphins sputtered through a frustrating 2025 campaign, finishing 7-10 and fading out of the AFC playoff picture down the stretch.The offense relied on explosive splash plays—running back De'Von Achane proved to be a multi-purpose star, rushing for a team-best 1,350 yards while adding heavy contributions in the passing game.
Injury bugs and inconsistent play plagued the operation; Miami averaged just 20.4 points per game while the defense surrendered more than 24 points per contest.The inability to protect the quarterback or string together quality performances against high-caliber opponents ultimately signaled the end of the previous era in South Florida.DOLPHINS NOT GOING TO 'THROW IN THE TOWEL AND JUST REBUILD' BUT THAT COMES WITH HIGHER EXPECTATIONSMiami Dolphins’ De’Von Achane (28) is tackled by Buffalo Bills’ Jordan Poyer (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Nov.
9, 2025.(Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo)Miami parted ways with almost all of its high-profile core—releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (who headed to Atlanta), cutting wide receiver Tyreek Hill and pass rusher Bradley Chubb, and trading wideout Jaylen Waddle to Denver and Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The coaching staff was completely overhauled, bringing in former Boston College head coach and Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.FALCONS' STARTING QB POST IS MICHAEL PENIX JR'S TO LOSE AMID TUA TAGOVAILOA'S STRUGGLES: REPORTTo fill out a stripped-down depth chart, Miami brought in quarterback Malik Willis, pass-catchers Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert, and edge rushers Josh Uche and Robert Beal Jr.On defense, they added secondary depth in Marco Wilson and Lonnie Johnson Jr., while adding versatile lineman Jamaree Salyer to the offensive trench group.Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) leaves the field after losing to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept.
7, 2025.(Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)LOS ANGELES CHA...